What’s Behind the Low Arizona Mammogram Rate?

Arizona Mammogram Rates Are Lower Than National Average

Arizona, like many other states, does not meet the mammography screening goals set by the National Cancer Institute.

A mammogram is a highly effective way to screen for breast cancer, catching more than 85% of tumors. But most states, including Arizona, do not meet the mammography screening goals set by the National Cancer Institute.

According to Tania Cortas, M.D., C.P.E., a medical oncologist at City of Hope® Cancer Center Phoenix, a variety of factors may be at play.

Tania Cortas , M.D., C.P.E., a medical oncologist at City of Hope® Cancer Center Phoenix

“These include a lack of health insurance coverage, racial demographics, cost and availability,” says Dr. Cortas. “There are also a lot of naturopathic treatment options in Arizona, so that is part of it.”

For women over 40, regular mammograms are vital — and research backs this up. A recent study of more than 500,000 cases found that screening reduced breast cancer mortality rates by up to 41% at 10 years after the initial screening.

This article examines why mammogram rates may be lower than average in Arizona and what women may do to ensure they get screened, including:

If you are experiencing cancer symptoms or if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, call us 24/7 at 844-662-1190.

Mammograms in Arizona

Only 10 states meet the recommended mammogram screening rates for women. At around 75%, Arizona ranks 14th among all states, falling just over 3% below the average nationwide.

Dr. Cortas stresses that mammograms are a safe and highly effective way to look for cancer tumors or other abnormalities in the breast, using a very low-dose of radiation — about the same amount that Americans are naturally exposed every seven weeks or so.

What’s Contributing to Arizona’s Lower Mammography Rate?

Multiple factors may play a role in Arizona’s lower-than-average mammogram rates, suggests Dr. Cortas, including the following.

Lack of medical insurance: Arizona was the state with the ninth highest number of uninsured adults in the United States in 2022.

Concerns about cost: Those who are uninsured or under-insured may worry that a mammogram will be too expensive.

Access to care: Living in a rural setting or having less socioeconomic means can make it harder to find and attend a mammogram appointment.

“Travel is definitely a factor. Patients who schedule a mammogram that’s not close to home often don’t want to travel for an appointment, so this delays screening,” Dr Cortas says. “But I think cost also comes into play, especially among uninsured patients.”

The Importance of Timely Mammograms

Women at average risk for developing breast cancer should begin getting mammograms when they turn 40, according to guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network — a national alliance of cancer centers that includes City of Hope.

“Even if I see a patient who does not have breast cancer, I recommend starting mammograms at age 40, doing them every two years, and then afterwards they can be started yearly,” says Dr. Cortas.

And although many guidelines say that regular mammograms should stop at age 70, Dr. Cortas usually suggests that patients continue screening.

“Older populations are living longer, and I think they should keep getting mammograms, even if they’re in great shape health wise,” she says.

Mammograms Guidelines for High-Risk Patients

Certain risk factors make it more likely that a woman will develop breast cancer.

These include:

  • A family history of breast cancer
  • A personal history of breast, ovarian or some other cancers
  • Some genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
  • A history of receiving radiation therapy to the chest
  • Certain rare genetic syndromes, including Li-Faurmeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome
  • Having dense breast tissue

“For high-risk women, I would recommend mammograms at least once a year, and sometimes alternating between mammograms and MRI,” says Dr. Cortas.

Mammograms at City of Hope Phoenix

When detected early, five-year survival rates for breast cancer are around 99%, according to the American Cancer Society — and regular mammograms are the key. Cancer centers such as City of Hope Phoenix now also offer women a wider range of screening options.

“In addition to traditional mammography, we have 3D mammograms and perform breast ultrasounds and MRIs,” says Dr. Cortas. 3D mammograms, sometimes called breast tomosynthesis, are particularly effective for screening higher-risk women and are typically a little more comfortable than traditional, or 2D, mammograms. Physicians also provide genetic testing and counseling for those who may have a family or personal history of the disease.

Most importantly, Dr. Cortas concludes, women aged 40 and over should schedule regular mammograms with their breast health specialist, for one simple reason.

“Mammograms catch breast cancer earlier,” she says.

If you are experiencing cancer symptoms or if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, call us 24/7 at 844-662-1190.